Quick Answer
A Kedarnath yatra from Haridwar/Rishikesh typically takes 3–5 days: register online, drive to Sonprayag/Gaurikund, trek ~16–18 km (or take pony/palki/helicopter) to the temple at 3,583 m, have darshan, and return. Best months are May–June and September–October. Registration is mandatory.
Step 1 — Before leaving home
- Check the temple opening dates and plan within the season.
- Get a basic health check if you have any medical condition; Kedarnath is high-altitude terrain. Consult your doctor about altitude if you have heart, lung or blood-pressure concerns.
- Book accommodation in advance for peak months (May–June).
- Pack for cold and rain — see the packing checklist.
Step 2 — Registration
Yatra registration with the Uttarakhand authorities is mandatory and free. Register online through the official portal (linked on our registration guide) before starting; you will receive a QR-coded yatra pass checked at checkpoints. Never pay third parties for "registration".
Step 3 — Reaching Uttarakhand
The gateways are Haridwar, Rishikesh and Dehradun (Jolly Grant airport). From there, buses, shared jeeps and taxis run toward Rudraprayag and Guptkashi. Details: How to Reach Kedarnath.
Step 4 — Reaching Sonprayag and Gaurikund
Private vehicles are generally allowed up to Sonprayag; from there, official shuttle jeeps run the last stretch to Gaurikund, the trek base. Gaurikund has basic accommodation, food and the starting facilities for the trek.
Step 5 — The trek
The Gaurikund–Kedarnath trek is roughly 16–18 km on a paved mountain path, climbing about 1,300 m. Most walkers take 6–9 hours uphill. Ponies, palkis (carried chairs) and kandi (basket porters) are available at official rates. Helicopter services operate from Phata, Sersi and Guptkashi in season. Full detail: Trek Guide.
Step 6 — Stay at Kedarnath
Accommodation at the top ranges from GMVN rest houses and dharamshalas to private lodges and tents; book ahead in peak season. Many pilgrims also trek up and back the same day — start early.
Step 7 — Darshan and aarti
Join the darshan queue early morning for the smoothest experience. Attend the evening aarti if you stay overnight — it is unforgettable. See temple timings and the darshan guide.
Step 8 — Return journey
Descend to Gaurikund (3–5 hours), shuttle to Sonprayag, and continue to your next destination — many pilgrims continue to Badrinath or return to Rishikesh/Haridwar.
How many days do you need?
| Plan | Days | Outline |
|---|---|---|
| Fastest (helicopter) | 2–3 | Reach Guptkashi/Phata, fly up, darshan, return |
| Standard trek | 4–5 | Haridwar → Guptkashi → trek → Kedarnath → return |
| Comfortable | 5–6 | Adds rest day and Triyuginarayan/Chopta |